I spent my college years in Panama City, Fla. Beautiful white sand beaches and emerald green waters surrounded the campus. During those years, I started carrying an oversized beach blanket in the trunk of my car for those moments when I really needed a break from working and studying. The sound of the waves and the smell of the salty air were soothing and relaxing when life was too stressful.

I still have that same beach blanket in my trunk. It has been a part of many adventures over the years. It has seen beach days, picnics, and Sunday school lessons on the church lawn. I’ve used it as a tablecloth, pillow, and to cover tired travelers napping in the backseat. In the winter time it even covers Christmas gifts during the holiday season. It doesn’t do everything like duct tape, but it has been used creatively over the years. Every time I see it, it brings a smile to my face and serves as a reminder to take a break when I need it.

I always look for ways to reduce my stress and workload. I love the saying “work smarter, not harder” because it's a reminder to think of how things can always be done better. Part of my role here at First Business Bank is to help with process improvement. I have set the expectation that I need to hear feedback from the team on what is or isn’t working so that together we can make things better. I also share new ideas and ask for others to review processes and procedures because sometimes you just need a fresh set of eyes to look at something.

That is one of the many things that I enjoy at First Business Bank. The desire to make things as simple and efficient as possible is everyone’s goal. We come together to tackle problems until they're resolved. We take feedback from clients and team members seriously and strive to make things better.

One example of how we do that is through our online and mobile services. Whether it’s depositing checks, sending a wire, or making payroll, recent innovative solutions help improve your business’s workflow. If you haven’t taken advantage of all of our services, now is the time to see which might help you find efficiencies to streamline processes and reduce your stress. Let us share how we can make your life and your workload more manageable.

And who knows, with all of the time saved, you just might have to start carrying a beach blanket in your car to enjoy that little bit of extra free time you’ll have on your hands!